Our client ProRail foresees the number of train passengers rising in the future. Passenger transport is projected to grow by 30 percent by 2030, and by as much as 45 percent in the Randstad. For rail freight transport, they expect a growth of 50 percent over the same period. How does risk management contribute to ProRail’s major ambitions?
ProRail’s mission is to connect, improve, and make sustainable. In the long term, ProRail recognizes that rail capacity must be increased to accommodate the rise in train passengers and freight transport. This must not negatively impact the reliability and availability of the rail infrastructure. Furthermore, passengers must experience as little disruption as possible from developments surrounding the railway.
The role of Delta Pi
Working on risk management within ProRail means working on a wide variety of projects and programs in a dynamic environment. These include Rail Climate Adaptation, ZwolleSpoort, the construction of the traffic control center in Barendrecht, various Superstructure Renewal projects (BBV), the Non-Actively Protected Level Crossings (NABO) program, and the Multi-Year Noise Abatement Program (MJPG). However, Delta Pi also supports ProRail in achieving set goals, such as executing and completing work within the (tight) constraints of Train-Free Periods (TVPs) in a safety-critical environment. Consider situations where work is being carried out on the track while a nearby track remains in service.
ISO31000 certified professionals
A standard solution and approach to risk management for ProRail's diverse and complex programs and projects isn't always sufficient. Of course, every program and project requires a solid foundation. Delta Pi's risk management professionals perform their work within ProRail's RISMAN methodology and the "risk management framework" based on ISO 31000.
At Delta Pi, we're eager to go the extra mile: this requires flexibility and creativity to adapt to the diverse organizational structures and new working methods. We are challenged, and will continue to be, as we take steps in the field of risk management together with ProRail in the coming years. This is precisely what makes our workdays that little bit more enjoyable!
Zwolle-Herfte rail extension
Zwolle is a key hub in the rail network connecting the northern provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Overijssel with the rest of the Netherlands. To expand this hub's capacity, extensive work has been done in recent years on the rail infrastructure in and around Zwolle. Much of this work is being carried out under the umbrella of the Zwolle Alliance Zwaluw, which includes both ProRail and the contractor consortium 'Noorderspoort' (VolkerRail, Van Hattum en Blankenvoort, KWS).
The Alliance's scope broadly consists of doubling the track from two to four tracks between Zwolle and the junction at Herfte. For this purpose, new viaducts are being built and old ones replaced. A free railway crossing is also being created through the construction of a dive-under. A dive-under involves one track passing under the other, allowing trains to cross freely.
Delta Pi supports this project in the following areas:
- Risk management for the 'ProRail scope', so that this scope is carried out within the set objectives;
- Management of risks for the 'Alliance scope' where the contracting authority is the risk owner, but where the Alliance plays an essential role in the control;
- Coordinating the risk management of the contracting authority and the Alliance, so that it is clear which risks are managed where and which party bears which risks;
- Linking uncertainties to, and further substantiating, the Final Status Forecast of both the 'ProRail scope' and the 'Alliance scope'.
Program Highlighted: Non-Active Protected Level Crossings
ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management have a joint and urgent ambition to remove the 180 publicly accessible Non-Actively Protected Level Crossings (NABO) by the end of 2023. These unprotected level crossings cause fatal accidents and are outdated. Addressing the NABO can be done in various ways, such as removing the crossing or creating a parallel road, staircase, or tunnel. Actively securing the unattended crossing is also an option.
Delta Pi supports ProRail by answering the following questions:
- Which risks need to be managed at the program level? How can we best organize this? How do we ensure timely follow-up?
- Which risks do we want to transfer from the program to the projects that will further develop and implement the proposed measures? And how do we ensure that insights from these projects are fed back into the program?
- What opportunities do we see for acceleration, particularly for the NABO locations that have a long lead time and might not be released until late 2023 or even early 2024?
About the collaboration
ProRail is one of the largest clients for infrastructure projects in the Netherlands. Professionalizing and streamlining project control is therefore of great importance. Since September 2019, Delta Pi has been supporting ProRail in its further development as a professional and reliable partner in the project world. We do this as a framework contractor for a period of 5 years, during which Delta Pi supports various programs and projects in the field of risk management. This excellent collaboration ensures that we can apply our knowledge and expertise across the organization, including in developments within asset management, business operations, and procurement.
Want to know more?
Do you need risk management expertise within your project, program, or organization? Or would you like to discuss your options with one of our risk management professionals? Feel free to contact us. We're happy to put our knowledge into practice!
